Sodium ferrocyanide

Sodium ferrocyanide is a chemical compound often used in food and industry. It is also known as yellow prussiate of soda (YPS), E535, or tetrasodium hexacyanoferrate(II).

Chemical Properties

Sodium ferrocyanide is a coordination compound of iron. It has the formula Na4Fe(CN)6 and is a yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in water. The ferrocyanide ion is a ligand that forms complexes with many transition metals.

Uses

Sodium ferrocyanide has a variety of uses in different industries. In the food industry, it is used as a food additive, specifically as an anti-caking agent. It is also used in the production of certain types of dyes and inks, in the process of steel tempering, and as a reducing agent in photography.

Safety

While the compound contains the cyanide ion, it is not toxic. This is because the cyanide is tightly bound to the iron within the compound, preventing it from being released. However, if the compound is exposed to strong acids, the cyanide ion can be released, which can be harmful.

Regulation

In the European Union, sodium ferrocyanide is designated as E535 and is approved for use as a food additive. In the United States, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See Also

• Potassium ferrocyanide
• Cyanide
• Food additive
• Anti-caking agent